What Happens When Someone Walks Away

Children, it is the last hour and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would have continued with us, but they went out that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. Then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

—1 John 2:18–29

John's Black-and-White View of Christianity

The Book of 1 John describes what it means to be a Christian using simple terminology. John explains what a Christian is and what a Christian is not. His theology is black and white. There are no gray areas.

You're either a Christian or you're not. A Christian spends time with God and walks with Him. A Christian does not keep practicing sin or maintain a habit of sin. Anyone with a constant, ongoing practice of sin is not a Christian.

Previously, John commanded us not to love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The lust of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life are not from the Father but from the world. The world around us constantly illustrates what not to do as a Christian.

One big problem is that Christians often try to emulate the world rather than eliminate it from their lives. There must be a fundamental distinction between how Christians look, act, behave, and believe compared to the world. Too often, Christians get swept into worldly patterns without a second thought.

Why People Walk Away: Three Key Indications

John presents three indications of what happens when someone stops professing to be a Christian. There is no possibility of losing salvation. If someone walks and talks like a Christian, time will reveal whether they truly are one.

1. People Walk Away Because They Are Antichrists

In verses 18–19, John writes: "Children, it is the last hour and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would have continued with us, but they went out that it might become plain that they all are not of us."

The pronoun "they" refers back to the "many antichrists." These antichrists come from the Christian community, but they were never truly Christians. God reveals this by their departure. Antichrists cannot stay long in the Christian community.

Recall the parable of the soils in Luke. Some hear the word, but in times of testing, they fall away. Christian community is attractive—it offers love, care, shared resources, and heavenly gifts. But it also brings persecution. Testing reveals authenticity. Only those with the hope of Christ endure.

Antichrists (anti-Christos in Greek, meaning "in place of Christ" or "against Christ") emerge from our ranks, claiming insider credibility to oppose the gospel. Like wheat and tares in Jesus' parable, they look identical until pressure reveals the difference. True Christians stay.

2. True Believers Don't Walk Away Because They Are Anointed

Verse 20 says: "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also."

This anointing from the Holy Spirit marks you for devotion to God. It grants knowledge that Jesus is the Christ—your Messiah who saves from sin. The liar denies this. In your heart, do you genuinely believe Jesus accomplished salvation on the cross?

Those anointed confess the Son and have the Father. They cling to salvation from sin's ruin, misery, and eternal wrath—unto eternal joy with God. Grasping this reality ensures you won't walk away.

3. True Believers Abide in Christ

Verse 27: "But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him."

The anointing teaches you to abide in Christ—what you've heard from the beginning. Abiding is ongoing. Verse 28: "And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming."

Christ's return brings judgment for antichrists but bliss for His own. Those who abide have confidence, having confessed sins continually (1 John 1:9). They know they are children of God, saved by Christ.

Abide in Scripture regularly. It won't read itself. Pastors provide manageable chunks to chew on weekly—savor them. They are words of eternal life.

Examine your time: How much do you spend abiding versus wasting? Redirect time from lesser pursuits to God's Word. See what happens. Pursue Christ fully, and your life may be transformed. ```